Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen never thought that she would grow up to become a writer. As a child she had any number of professions that bounced around in her head--model, president of the United States, carpenter, lawyer, and doctor. As a graduate of the California Institute of Technology with a degree in biology and having returned to Cal Tech as a Ph.D. candidate, a career as a writer still seemed an unheard of idea. That is, until Sudipta had her two children, Isabella and Brooklyn, and took time off from the pursuit of her degree to be a stay-at-home mom. It was during this time that she realized that she had stories to tell, and, after a half-dozen rejections, had her first story published in 2003 in the magazine Highlights for Children. From there, Sudipta branched out into nonfiction, including books on science and biographies. Her first love, however, was still picture books, and in 2006 her debut picture book, Tightrope Poppy, the High-Wire Pig, was published. Since then she has gone on to publish a growing number of picture books.
Sudipta visits schools to share her stories and experience, and teaches writing to children and adults. She lives in New Jersey with her family (now comprised of three children, with the addition of son Sawyer in 2006) and an imaginary pony named Penny.
Selected Reviews of Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen's Books
The Hog Prince
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, Illustrated by Jason Wolff
You may know the story of the frog prince, but this take on the classic tale is sure to make readers laugh. Eldon the hog spends much of day carriage-watching with his friend Petunia, wishing that he was royalty. Petunia’s comment that they already live high on the hog does little to satisfy Eldon, and when a fairy happens by one day and calls Eldon Your Highness, Eldon is sure that he is actually a prince in hog’s clothing. So Eldon leaves the pasture to find his princess, the one who will release him from his spell. Eldon is not daunted in his quest, even when Ella the cinder girl, Lady Aurora, and Mother Goose all have negative reactions to his effusive and surprising kisses. When Petunia takes Eldon by surprise and kisses him, Eldon is confused and Petunia is disgusted by how dense Eldon really is. It takes a bit, but Eldon finally realizes that he has both a best friend and a princess in Petunia, who has already known that about Eldon. The illustrations in this story are vivid and catch perfectly the tone and humor of the book. This should be a definite add to any elementary or younger child’s library. 2009, Dutton Childrens Books, $17.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Ballots for Belva
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, Illustrated by Courtney A. Martin
Belva Lockwood believed in “will-power and mental effort, combined with indefatigable labor” to combat 19th century sexism. Wanting to attend law school, she remained undaunted despite rejections from universities fearing she would “distract the attention of the young men.” Denied her diploma, she complained directly to National University Law School President Ulysses S. Grant (who at the time also happened to be the President of the United States). And she ran legally for U.S. president at a time when women were still denied the vote. Though she had her detractors, others supported her, and the Washington Evening Star wrote that “Mrs. Lockwood, if elected, will have a policy [which] will commend itself to all people of common sense.” Young readers will cheer Belva’s can-do spirit while being astounded (and probably outraged) by the obstacles in her path, including men who dressed as women to mock her and vote counters who threw away her votes. Courtney Martin’s artwork depicts intriguing period details (Belva commuting on a large tricycle, for example) and portrays Belva as a strong-bodied woman with determined eyes. 2008, Abrams, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Flying Eagle
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, Illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray
Father eagle must feed his baby. He hunts and hunts and hunts until he is very tired; however, he cannot stop until he has found food or his baby will die. As father soars across the African sky, readers will see beautiful illustrated pictures of the gorgeous sunset, hippos, crocodiles, lions, zebras, and even a cobra! The anxious father encounters many animals, but not one is his prey. As he keeps searching for food, he has to dodge a hunter’s bow and fight against the darkening sky. Finally, he is able to spy a bird that he can call dinner. He is relieved to carry his prey home to the hungry baby. This simple, yet wonderful book shows the interesting hunt of the eagle. More information about the majestic eagle is included in the back of the book. In addition, there are details about the Serengeti National Park in Africa and other resources to find out more about eagles and other wildlife. This educational book would be excellent in a science classroom. 2009, Charlesbridge, $15.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Cathi I. White (Children's Literature).
Smooch, Roar, Plop, and More
This presentation centers on the main characters of Sudipta's pictures books, The Hog Prince, The Mine-o-Saur, and Tightrope Poppy. Sudipta reads the books and the children are encouraged to join in the storytelling experience by acting out the stories--all the smooching, roaring, and plopping! The presentation includes an overview of what Sudipta does as a writer and how the publishing process works. PreK-3.
From Inspiration to Printed Page: How a Writer Takes an Idea and Crafts it into a Publication
Sudipta talks about the writing process, from finding and refining an idea to the final published piece. She will read excerpts from her current projects, discuss how she structures a book, and share funny stories aobut her career as a writer. The session concludes with a short writing activity that everyone participates in. All ages.
Writing Workshops
Sudipta guides the audience through the process of creating a story. She discusses with the group how strong characters, interesting settings, and challenging conflicts are the heart of good stories. The group then begins a guided writing assignment to let each child's creativity take center stage. Grades 3-5.
Fees
A full day includes four 45-minute sessions (or three 45-minute sessions for older students and two 25-minute sessions for younger students). The price is $800 for a full day, plus lodging, meals, and travel expenses.
To learn more about Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and her publications please visit www.sudipta.com.
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